Bengal, Assam Tea Production Slashed By Worst Drought in 15 Years

DNA India reports that the Indian Tea Association is warning of the effects of what they've called "the worst-ever drought in the past 15 years" in the northeastern part of the nation.

The ITA said:

Tea production in Assam and West Bengal for 2012 is set to register a sharp drop due to a prolonged dry spell and rising temperatures. ... Crop is estimated to drop by around 60% up to March compared with 2011. In Assam and West Bengal, it can therefore at best touch 20 million kg as against 46 million kg record for the corresponding period for 2011.

This comes at the same time where abnormal weather conditions have reduced tea production in Kenya as well, though not to the same degree as in northeast India.s

The creamy and strong flavor is no more. There is a huge demand for Assam tea abroad, and this is due to its strong, bright flavor. The changes will sharply hamper the demand for this variety of tea abroad.